91998E2772

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2772/98

by Johanna Maij-Weggen (PPE) to the Commission

(14 September 1998)

Subject: Mrs Ben Salem, a prisoner of conscience in Tunisia

Amnesty International has drawn attention to the sentence handed down in Tunisia on Mrs Ben Salem, the wife of Mr M. Barek, a refugee granted asylum in the Netherlands.

Last November Mrs Ben Salem was sentenced to two years and three months imprisonment, accused of being a member of an organisation inciting hatred and violence and of illegally attempting to leave Tunisia. On appeal the sentence was extended to two years and nine months.

Amnesty International regards Mrs Ben Salem, who has never used violence or encouraged others to use violence, as a prisoner of conscience.

Is the Commission prepared to seek information about Mrs Ben Salem from the Tunisian authorities and to urge her release so that she can join her husband in the Netherlands?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(15 October 1998)

In its usual diplomatic contacts with the Tunisian authorities the Commission will continue to raise allegations of individual cases of human rights violations, including that brought to its attention by the Honourable Member. Such contacts are held jointly with the Member States, and governed by the Barcelona Declaration and the Association Agreement between the Community and Tunisia.

It should also be pointed out that inter-parliamentary meetings between the Parliament and the Tunisian parliament play a crucial role, in the light of growing contacts between the two on issues relating to democratisation and the promotion of human rights.